Portable adjustable mine drilling device



Nov. 26, 1968 K|NDSFATER 3,412,812

PORTABLE ADJUSTABLE MINE DRILLING DEVICE Filed Oct. 6. 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 /NVENTO/Z, Awey Kmmsmme By 25% Q,.

Nov. 26, 1968 H. KINDSFATER 3,412,812

PORTABLE ADJUSTABLE MINE DRILLING DEVICE Filed on. e, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 J w 2 m 3 5 n n g o DID '7 C 4: E; m

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PORTABLE ADJUSTABLE MINE DRILLING DEVICE Filed Oct. 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 u 6% T e 5 I l V 1 s lNl/EfilTakl flE/VRY Mnosmmse ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,412,812 PORTABLE ADJUSTABLE MINE DRILLING DEVICE Henry Kindsfater, Lead, S. Dak. 57754 Filed Oct. 6, 1966, Ser. No. 584,729 1 Claim. (Cl. 173-23) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A portable, adjustable mining device which includes a track and a drilling machine. A mounting bracket adjustably supports the drilling machine on the track and means are provided to advance the mounting bracket along the track. The drilling machine has a fluid actuated drive motor and a safety shut-otf valve operably connected thereto. The track is mounted on a portable frame which also support means for supplying actuating fluid to the fluid actuated drive motor and an air reservoir which supplies air to feeder control devices and other operable means.

This invention relates to adjustable mining machines and more specifically to adjustable mine drilling machines and to portable supports therefor.

Portable mining machines commonly employed at present are subject to the disadvantage that they do not adequately protect the users against hazards. Often injuries are caused to workers when a drill which has reached its maximum possible forward motion continues to be supplied with motive fluid and continues to rotate. Similarly, workers have suffered injuries where binding of the drill of a portable drilling machine has caused sudden and abrupt rearward movement of its portable support. Another disadvantage prevalent in conventional portable mine drilling devices has been the inability to construct a portable structure for a plurality of such mine drilling machines which is of moderate cost.

It is accordingly the object of the present invention to provide a portable mine drilling machine wherein the supply of power fluid to the drill is automatically discontinued when the forward movement of the drill has reached predetermined limits.

Another object of the invention is to provide a portable mine drilling machine wherein provision is made to protect the workers against injury due to undesired rearward travel of a portable mine drilling machine supporting frame.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a portable drilling device wherein a single frame supports a plurality of drilling machines.

A further object of the invention is to provide a portable drilling machine using standard piping for the support frame and fluid supply reservoirs.

The invention will be better understood, and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent after reading the following detailed description thereof. Such description refers to the annexed drawings presenting preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention.

Accordingly, the novel mining machine of the present invention includes a track, a drilling machine and a mounting bracket adjustably supporting the drilling machine on the track. The drilling machine has a fluid actuated drive motor connected to means for supplying actuating fluid thereto, and a safety shut-off valve which shuts off the flow of actuating fluid to the drive motor when the drilling machine and mounting bracket reach a pre-determined advanced position on the track. A substantial safety factor is, thereby, provided to protect workers against injury due to undesired rearward travel of the supporting frame. The supporting frame supports a plurality of drilling machines, thereby providing a device of moderate cost.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of the portable adjustable mining machine;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a supporting frame and reservoirs supported thereby;

FIGURE 3 is a rear view of the adjustable mining machine and supporting frame;

FIGURE 4 is an end view of a drill guide element;

FIGURE 5 is a side view of a device for preventing backward movement of the mining machine support frame;

FIGURE 6 is a side view of an adjustable bracket showing an adjustable support therefor in section;

FIGURE 7 is a side view of a boom stabilizing device.

Referring to the drawings the reference F designates a frame for supporting four drilling machines 10, the power mechanism for positioning the drilling machines relative to the frame and the fluid reservoirs for storing the sev eral fluids essential to the operation of such power mechanisms and the drilling machines.

More specifically, frame F is of rectangular configuration and is formed by securing together, by welding or other conventional means, a plurality of tubing members 12. A water storage reservoir or container 14, formed from two inch galvanized pipe, is supported on the frame F by U-bolts (not shown) so that it can be easily removed therefrom and replaced when such replacement becomes necessary due to the accumulation of rust therein without returning the entire device to the exterior of the mine. Reservoir 14 is closed at one of its ends and provided with a elbow 16 at its other end. A valve 18 is attached to elbow 16. After a water hose is attached to valve 18, it is opened so that reservoir 14 can be replenished. The reservoir 14 is provided with four three-quarter inch water lines 20 which, respectively, supply cooling and dust laying water to the drill of the drilling machine 10.

An air storage container or reservoir 22, formed from four inch tubing is supported for easy removal from frame F by U-bolts (not shown). This enables repairs to be made to the air reservoir 22 without the necessity of moving the complete frame to the repair shop. Air storage reservoir 22 is closed at one of its ends and is provided with a 90 elbow 24 which is reduced to receive a two and one-half inch valve 26 and air hose at its other end.

Air reservoir 22 is provided with eight outlets 28 when supply air under pressure to pressure cylinders to be described. In addition air reservoir 22 is provided with four air lines 30 which lead to four oil reservoirs 34 and two other air lines which lead to a pair of fluid motors to be described which propel the frame of the drilling machine.

Four oil storage tanks 34, each having a filling plug 35, are secured permanently to the frame F by welding or otherwise, since their need for replacement is unlikely. Air lines 30 lead from air reservoir 22, respectively, to oil storage tanks 34. Air from air lines 30 is introduced into the oil storage tanks in such a manner that it becomes impregnated with oil. The oil impregnated air is discharged through air hose 36 to feeder control devices 38 only one of which has been shown.

A pair of drive wheels 40, only one of which has been shown in FIGURE 1, are mounted on an axle 43 at the front of the frame F. Each of these drive wheels are arranged to be driven by reversible motors, not shown, respectively supported on motor mounts 42. A conventional drive arrangement between such motors and axle 43, likewise not shown, comprises a V pulley on the motor shaft and a V pully on the axle 43 connected by a V belt. Each of the motor mounts 42 is provided with a conventional valve control mechanism (not shown) actuated by an air control lever 44 that extends to the rear of frame F to control the direction of operation of the drive motors, which may be conventional turbines.

A swivel wheel mount 46 is provided at each side of frame F adjacent its rear end and receives therein a swivel wheel 48.

An important feature of the frame F is the arrangement for stabilizing the machine during a drilling operation. To effect such stabilization a plurality of stabilizing units 50 are pivotally mounted at the rear of the frame F. Each stabilizing unit 50 comprises a leg 52 supported by a pin 54 extending through an opening 56 in leg 52 and supported by hearing members 57. A base member 58 extends from the lower end of leg 52. Base member 58 is provided on its lower face with a plurality of cleats 60 which bite into the mine floor and secure the frame C against any rearward movement during drilling operations. Leg holders 62 formed of any suitable resilient material are so located on the rear of the frame that they, respectively, receive and releasably support legs 52 of the stabilizing devices 50.

Four adjustable clamps 64 are secured to the rear of frame F. The upper portion of each clamp 64 has an upstanding arm 66 provided with a pivot opening 68. An arm 70 of an adjustable bracket B is pivotally secured to each of the upstanding arms of the adjustable clamps 64 by a pivot pin 69. Each adjustable bracket B comprises a lower bracket plate 72, an upper bracket plate 74, spaced from the lower bracket plate 72, and a pair of spacer members 76, 76. The plates 72, 74 and spacer members are secured together by bolts 78.

Booms C, which are used for degree mining, each include an upper track member and a lower track member 82 supported, respectively, by the adjustable brackets B. Fluid servo devices P, each comprising a cylinder 84 pivotally connected to boom C and piston 86, pivotally connected to frame F, respectively, adjust the angular position of each boom C as air is supplied to or exhausted from an associated servo device P by a conventional supply and exhaust valve 88 and air hose 89.

Boom position locking devices L each extend between and pivotally connect a boom C to frame F. Locking devices L each comprise a solid rod 90 provided with a plurality of spaced openings 92 telescoped within sleeve 94 which is provided with a plurality of similarly spaced openings 96. A pin or like member (not shown) is provided for locking the rod 90 against relative movement with respect to the sleeve 94 when passed through mating openings 92 and 96 in the rod 90 and sleeve 94, respectively. Boom position locking device L is employed where the same degree of mining is used day after day or in cases where the whole stope is drilled out in one operation.

A drilling machine mounting bracket 98 is mounted upon the upper track of each boom C. The position of mounting bracket 98 is adjusted by means of a chain 100 in any well known manner. The drilling machine 10 is provided with a conventional steel cut-ting drill 104 and a water discharge device 106 which is commonly employed to cool the drill 104 and remove sand and other debris from the drill hole.

A drill guide 108, provided with a guide groove 110 is supported from the boom C by a bracket 112.

Each drilling machine 10 is provided with a conventional drive motor (not shown) actuated by oil impregnated air received from one of the oil storage tanks 34. The feeder control device 38, previously referred to, is mounted on lower track member 82 and includes a feeder valve 114 that controls the flow of oil impregnated air through hose 36 to the drilling machine drive motor. Any well known type of normally biased open safety shutoff valve 116 having an operating handle 118 is mounted adjacent the upper end of lower track 82 and receives the air impregnated oil passing through hose 36 from the feeder valve 114 to the drilling machine drive motor. The location of the safety shut-off valve 116 on the boom C is such that when the drilling machine mounting bracket 98 reaches the upper end of track 80 it will engage safety shut-off valve handle 118 and terminate the flow of oil impregnated air to the drilling machine drive motor.

Each feeder control device 38 is also provided with a water control valve 120 interposed in the water line 20 in order that the drilling machine operator can control the water supply to the drilling machine at Will.

Each feeder control device 38 is provided with an additional valve 122 which controls the flow of pressure fluid to a motor (not shown) which is customarily provided for applying the pressure required for operating the machine.

An air operated stabilizing device S is shown in FIG- URE 7. A sufficient number of such devices is provided so that one may be associated with each boom C supported by frame F. Stablizer devices S are required whenever a drilling machine 10 is to be employed for drifting or slabbing operations. Each stabilizer S comprises a cylinder 124 in which a piston 126 is actuated by fluid under pressure supplied to the cylinder through an air hose connected to one of the outlets 28 of air reservoir 22. The supply of air to and the exhaust of air from cylinder 124 is under the control of a conventional air supply and exhaust valve 128. When placed in use the stabilizer S is positioned against the lower end of a boom C. As air pressure is admitted to cylinder 124, piston 126 is actuated and raises the rear end of the boom C to th desired height of mining.

In operation the frame F of the mining machine is propelled forwardly or rearwardly depending on what position the operator of the machine places the valve operating handle or handles 44. In one position of a handle 44 the reversible motor mounted on motor mount 42 will drive the axle 43 and drive wheels 40 so as to propel the frame F forwardly, in another position it will propel the frame rearwardly and in a third position the flow of air to the motor will be shut off.

When the frame F has been propelled to a desired location where a drilling operation is to be carried out the legs 52 of stabilizing units 50 are lowered so that the cleats on base members 58 bite into the floor of the mine and the frame of the drilling machine will then be preeluded from moving rearwardly. Air under pressure from reservoir 22 will then be supplied through valve 88 and hose 89 to fluid servo device P until the boom C has been elevated to the extent necessary for degree mining. When the boom C is elevated to the desired height the flow of air to servo device P is shut off. During elevation of the boom C the solid rod 90 will be raised in sleeve 94. If the boom C is to remain in the same elevated position for any extended period of time, pins or similar devices may be inserted through mating openings 92 and 96 to lock the boom C in such extended position. The drilling machine 10 may then be moved by means of chain 100 along boom C to a drilling position. Upon opening valve 114 oil impregnated air will be delivered to the drilling machine drive motor thereby rotating drill 104. At the same time valve 120 will be opened so that water from reservoir 14 will be discharged through discharge device 106 cooling the drill 104 and removing debris from the hole formed by the drill.

As the chain 100 continues to advance the drilling machine mounting bracket 98 and drilling machine 10, a position of the bracket 98 will be reached where it will engage handle 118 of the normally biased open shut-off valve 116. Any further forward movement of the bracket 98 will cause the valve 116 to move to its closed position thereby terminating flow of air to the drill. Should the chain be moved to withdrawn the braket from valve handle 118 without closing valve 114 the drill will again start rotating.

Although in the arrangement described the frame F has been designed so as to support four drilling machines 10, it is not intended that the invention be limited to any specific number of drilling machines. 3

After reading the foregoing detailed description, it will be apparent that the objects set forth above initially have been successfully achieved. Accordingly what is claimed is:

1. A mining machine, including a track; a drilling machine having a fiuid actuated drive motor; a mounting bracket adjustably supporting said drilling machine on said track; means to advance said mounting bracket along said track; means for supplying actuating fluid to said fluid actuated drive motor including a safety shut-off valve, said safety shut-off valve having an operating handle disposed, when said valve is open, in the path of movement of said mounting bracket, whereby when said drilling machine and mounting bracket reach a predetermined advanced position on said track, said mounting bracket engages the safety shut-off valve handle to close the valve and shutoff the flow of actuating fluid to said drive motor; said track is pivotally mounted on a portable frame; a fluid actuated servo motor adjusts the angular position of said track relative to said frame; a locking device positively locks the track in an angular adjusted position; said means for supplying actuating fluid to said fluid actuated drive motor includes an oil reservoir welded to said frame, an air reservoir detachably mounted on said frame, means to impregnate the air delivered from said reservoir with oil and a manually operable shut-off valve in series with said safety shut-off valve; said safety shut-off valve includes means to normally bias it to an open position; said means to advance said drilling machine bracket along said track includes a chain; said drilling machine is water cooled and is provided with water discharge means to lay debris caused by operation of the drilling machine; a water reservoir is removably mounted on said frame; a water delivery means including a control valve interconnects said water reservoir with said drilling machine; a common support is provided for said manually operated shut-off valve and said water control valve; swivelly mounted wheels support the rear of the frame; drive wheels are mounted on the front of the frame; at least one stabilizing unit is effective to resist retrograde movement of said frame and includes a leg supported from the rear of said frame, a base member having a lower face carried by said leg, ground engaging cleats mounted on said lower face and a resilient leg holder mounted on the rear of said frame positioned to releasably support said leg in inoperative position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS ERNEST R. PURSER, Primary Examiner. 

